Elmer Gantry's Rise and Trump's Political Pandering
David Boles: Human Meme
English - February 25, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 22.3 MB - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsPerforming Arts Arts Society & Culture Philosophy columbia aesthetic davidboles human meme nebraska newyork teaching Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
"Elmer Gantry," published in 1927, is a piercing satire of American religious fundamentalism and the hypocrisy it often harbors. Elmer Gantry, the protagonist, is a charismatic but morally bankrupt evangelist. He's a master of manipulation, using religion as a tool for personal gain and power. Gantry’s rise to prominence is not due to his spiritual convictions but rather his skill in exploiting the beliefs and emotions of others. Donald Trump's rise in the political arena, on the other hand, is a real-life story that unfolded before our eyes. A businessman and television personality with no prior political experience, Trump climbed the political ladder with a blend of populist rhetoric, media savvy, and an uncanny ability to resonate with a significant segment of the American electorate.